The Sheriff’s Department found savings in its mental health contracts to more than cover the cost of the social worker, which will amount to $33,452 in 2015 and $95,352 in 2016.

Jail staff already have someone slated for the position — Core Program Coordinator Ronda Zastrow — who’s been working with inmates on work release and community service as well as helping them set up treatment in the community.

The jail will now post an opening for a Huber specialist to take over many of Zastrow’s duties, La Du-Ives said. Once that position is filled, Zastrow will move to full-time social worker.

“We will be off an running, figuring out what resources we have for people and doing assessments,” La Du-Ives said.

Zastrow will assess inmates once they enter the jail. Officials in the Sheriff’s Department will use data she collects — including rates of mental illness and substance abuse — to figure out their next steps.

Nora G. Hertel can be reached at nhertel@gannett.com or 715-845-0665. Find her on Twitter as @nghertel.